Location - Fort Canning, Singapore

Category - Feasibility

Client - National Parks Board

Raffles House is a single-storey structure located on Fort Canning Hill. Originally built as the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles, it subsequently served as the official residence for successive Governors of Singapore before its demolition in 1958.

The present building, completed in 2003, occupies the southern end of Fort Canning Park on elevated terrain overlooking the Singapore River. Today, it functions as a venue for events and wedding functions.

The architectural approach focuses on retaining the colonial character associated with the original Raffles House while carefully reworking specific elements to improve spatial quality and strengthen the building’s relationship with its surrounding landscape.

Externally, existing arched openings were adapted into full-height glazed panels and doors, articulated with black steel framing. This intervention maintains the original curved profiles while increasing transparency and allowing natural light to penetrate the interior. Existing ornamental motifs were retained, with subtle lighting introduced to articulate the building’s form and architectural details.

Internally, the pitched roof geometry was preserved and expressed through the exposure of the roof structure, reinforcing the sense of volume within the main spaces. Interior finishes were deliberately restrained, predominantly white, to emphasise spatial clarity and continuity.

A modest, discreet extension was introduced to accommodate toilet facilities and mechanical and electrical services. This addition is carefully concealed within dense planting to minimise its visual presence and maintain the primacy of the main house.